Oldsmobile/Buick Repair/2004 Olds Alero ignition key wont turn

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Expert: TOM SHEETS - 6/8/2013

QuestionDaughter's ignition key wont turn to start in 04 Olds Alero tried all copies of key, jiggling, turning and all the harsh language I can think of. this has never happened before and no idea what to do

AnswerHI JD, WELL WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO DO IS GO TO YOUR GM STORE AND BUY YOURSELF A NEW IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER. THIS CAR ALSO HAS A ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IN IT AS WELL. SO AFTER YOU PUT THE NEW IGN LOCK CYLINDER IN THE CAR YOU WILL NEED TO PROGRAM THE NEW LOCK CYLINDER SO IT WILL START FOR YOU..[[YOUR GM STORE WILL ALSO MAKE THE LOCK CYLINDER FOR YOUR KEYS SO YOU WILL NOT NEED NEW KEYS UNLESS YOU WANT NEW KEYS]].. THIS IS CALLED RELEARN PROCEDURE..TO DO THIS, TURN THE KEY TO RUN POSITION AND LEAVE IT LIKE THIS FOR 20 MINUTES OR INTILL THE ANTI-THEFT LIGHT ON THE DASH STOPS BLINKING OR GOES OUT. THEN TURN THE KEY OFF AND START THE CAR. ALSO IF YOU NEED INFO ON HOW TO REPLACE THIS LOCK CYLINDER JUST GOOGLE IT UP OR IF YOU HAVE A SHOP MANUAL IT IS IN THERE....IT IS NOT HARD TO DO...IF YOU NEED MORE INFO LET ME KNOW,, GOOD LUCK TO YOU TOM....

Questioner's Rating

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Comment

got the key cylinder to break free by tapping on the inserted key with a small rubber mallet, then placed powdered graphite into lock liberally. worked like a charm. I know this is no permanent solution and the key cylinder will have to be replaced but it did allow me to take the car home which was my primary concern. thanks for your help

TOM SHEETS

Expertise

Can answer all questions pertaining to mechanics of GM cars from 1965 to present. I will answer questions from 6:00 am to 10 pm est.. I will not take diesel or paint questions. If this olds and buick section is maxed out you can get to me in the chevrolet section...

Experience

I have 30 plus years experience in servicing these cars. I can answer questions on carburetor, fuel injection,ignition systems, suspension, brakes and abs, cooling systems,a/c and heater,manual transmissions, rear differential and electrical system,charing system and battery.
I am a Master ASE certified mechanic in all 8 categories:
- Brakes
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Automatic transmission
- Clutches and Transaxle
- Engine performance
- Engine repair
- Electrical
- Steering and suspension
I am certified for NYS inspection and clean air insp.

OrganizationsASE

Education/CredentialsI am a Master ASE certified mechanic in all 8 categories (see above)
I am an Air Conditioning/Freon recycling specialist with ASE.
I have at least 4 years of technical training and many hours of continuing education.

Past/Present Clientsmany customers in our busy shop for the past 30 plus years